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s One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage

Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal? Look no further than "One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage"! This recipe combines tender penne pasta, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce in a single pan, simplifying cleanup while delivering a satisfying meal. Ideal for a quick, weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that’s both hearty and approachable, sure to please any palate.
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Ingredients
  

  • Penne Pasta: 12 oz of penne pasta
  • Italian Sausage: 1 pound bulk Italian sausage choose your preferred heat level
  • Spinach: 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Onion and Garlic: 1 onion 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Creamy Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Other: Olive oil salt, pepper, and optional white wine for extra flavor

Instructions
 

  • In a large pan, bring salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente, then reserve some pasta water.
  • Cook the Sausage:
  • In the same pan, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté Aromatics:
  • Sauté minced onion and garlic in the sausage fat until softened.
  • Add Spinach:
  • Incorporate spinach into the pan, cooking until wilted.
  • Prepare Creamy Sauce:
  • In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Slowly pour into the pan, stirring to combine.
  • Combine Everything:
  • Add cooked sausage and pasta to the pan, tossing to coat with the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  • Serve:
  • Top with additional cheese and herbs for garnish.
  • What to Serve with This Dish
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad complements the richness.
  • Garlic Bread: Enhances the dish’s savory profile.
  • Red Wine: Paired with a bold red wine for a complete meal experience.
  • Top Tips for Perfecting the Dish
  • Sausage Selection: Choose your preferred heat level for the sausage to tailor the dish’s spice quotient.
  • Creamy Sauce Adjustment: For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch into the heavy cream before adding.
  • Timing: Cook pasta first, using the same pot to build flavors gradually.
  • Storing and Reheating Tips
  • Storage: Cool the dish completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freezing for up to a month.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain creaminess.
  • Conclusion
  • "One-Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach and Italian Sausage" is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting, flavorful experience that brings together the best of pasta, sausage, and fresh spinach. By simplifying the cooking process with a one-pan approach, it’s the perfect dish for busy evenings or cozy dinners. Why not try it and enjoy the warmth and flavor of this delicious creation? Happy cooking!